It can't be..

That fourteen years ago my wildest dream came true.  I had a baby.  Not just any baby.  The perfect baby for me (okay, and for my husband, too.)  After a tortuous delivery and very painful repair job, I got to hold him-this little perfect man.
That was then, this is now.
What a miracle!
My husband and I were told after countless fertility tests that we would have no children.  We should consider IVF (nope), adoption (maybe).  What we didn't know was that on the day of that discussion, I was four days pregnant with this young man!
You will find no finer boy.  He's sweet, kind, funnier than just about anyone I know, and he tries so hard to be brave.  For me.  He got braces today.  Aren't I the world's worst mom?  I hope he won't hold it against me.
Ice cream and home made donuts were his breakfast.   A sword and miniature digital video recorder were his presents.  Red Robin for dinner last night because we knew his mouth would be too sore tonight.  So, tonight it was an Instant Breakfast shake for dinner.  I must say I made one other mistake.  He almost cried when he saw what I made for dinner (one of his favorites).  I felt rotten.  It builds character, right?
Happy birthday, my dear gift-from-God!

"May the Fourth be With You"

Happy Star Wars Day, everyone!  We're super busy today, so we don't have time to do lots of Star Wars themed cooking.  I hope you have a great day!

Scouting Faithfully

My Star Scout

Last Saturday, we had a proud moment.  We attended the Religious Recognition Mass for Scouting at the Basilica of St. Mary.  First of all, my Star Scout received his Ad Altare Dei award.  Second, my AHG Pioneer received her Mary, the First Disciple award.  She was the first AHG member in our Archdiocese to receive this award AND the only girl at the ceremony.  Here are some of the pictures.
 

My Pioneer AHG'er

The presider is one of my favorite priests.  He encouraged the all the participants to go out and continually challenge themselves, both in Scouting and in their religious life.  It was beautiful.

Mom and Dad (and their respective counselors) are very proud of them and the hard work they did to achieve the awards.

My Star

Last night, while sicker than a dog, I had the pleasure of attending my son's Boy Scout Court of Honor in which he advanced to Star rank.  Life and Eagle...those are next.  I was equally as proud to be there to see all my husband had accomplished as Scout Master.   His unit earned the Gold Level Journey to Excellence badge, which is NOT a small feat.  I also found out that for thirteen years, this unit has earned the award for the Most Catholic Boy Scout Troop within our Archdiocese.
Anyway, here is the money shot. My Star Scout is on the left and Scoutmaster Husband is behind me.  I think now, looking at this picture, that in order to advance to the rank of Star you must ALSO be taller than your mother.

Gluten Free, Egg Free, Dairy Free Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake in a Cup

The new treat here (although we're not eating LOTS of treats during Lent) is cake in a cup.  Friday, my 2 year old, in her sweetest voice, with her hands clasped, pressed up to her cheek as she tilted her head exactly 30 degrees said, "Please make me cake for breakfast."  So I did...Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake.  Of course, I had to make some for the 4 year old.  So here's his:

First, spray a 1 1/2 cup coffee mug with cooking spray or grease well.
In the cup, mix together:
1 tsp chia seed meal
1 Tbsp hot water
Let that sit for about 2 minutes.  Add:
1/3 c. gluten free bisquick
1 1/2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
4 Tbsp. dairy free milk (soy, almond, rice, dairifree)
drop of vanilla
1 1/2 Tbsp. sugar
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
Mix with a fork.

In a separate bowl, mix together:
1 tsp. gluten free bisquick
1 Tbsp. sugar
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. vegetable oil
Mix together to form topping.

Thinly slice some apple (put a thin layer on top) over the batter then cover with cinnamon topping.

I have a very powerful microwave oven.  I put mine in the microwave for 1 minute 25 seconds.  Be careful because the cup will be nuclear hot!  Enjoy.

Ed. Note: I keep updating the recipe as we improve it!